Encore Boston Harbor Earns State’s First Sports Betting License 

After concerns about the operating partnerships of Plainridge Park Casino and MGM Springfield Casino, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) decided to delay their licensing votes. However, the MGC recently granted the state’s inaugural retail sports betting license to Encore Boston Harbor Casino, bypassing the other two casinos.

Delays for Competitors

The connection between Plainridge Park and Barstool Sports, as well as its owner Dave Portnoy, became a concern for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) due to Portnoy’s gambling behavior and advertising methods. A recent article from The New York Times shed light on these issues, causing the MGC to take a moment of pause.

The vote for MGM Springfield was postponed due to its partnership with BetMGM. The retail application of Springfield MGM extensively mentioned BetMGM, particularly its online sports betting services. This led the representatives of MGC to unanimously decide to delay the retail vote until they vote on BetMGM’s online sports betting application next week.

Commissioner Nakisha Skinner expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of referrals to the BetMGM mobile betting application, stating that crucial information required for a thorough assessment of the MGM Springfield application is noticeably absent.

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The Difference for Encore Boston Harbor

By firmly establishing the casino as the license applicant, representatives from Encore Boston Harbor were successful in avoiding a similar outcome.

Jacqui Krum, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Encore Boston Harbor, stated that in the event that the casino’s sportsbook violates any regulations or internal controls, it will take full responsibility for its actions instead of shifting blame onto its vendors.

Encore Boston Harbor’s application successfully met all the requirements to operate as a standalone retail sports betting application, enabling the MGC to finally reach a decision after three previous attempts.

Skinner explained, “Without thoroughly examining BetMGM’s application, I didn’t feel confident in making a decision regarding yesterday’s application.” However, she asserted, “In this case, even without the WynnBET application in front of me, I am comfortable proceeding and reaching a conclusion.”

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Casino Expansion Plans

Wynn Resorts, the operating partner of Encore Boston Harbor, is enthusiastically advancing its expansion plans to make the most of the new license. The company’s upcoming development, situated next to the existing main casino, has prompted casino operators to apply for gambling rights. While Wynn had been in talks with state representatives regarding the expansion, the latest plans differ significantly from previous discussions.

Originally intended as an extra source of amusement for the casino, the project has now evolved into a colossal megacomplex spanning 1.8 million square feet. Among its numerous features are a two-story shopping center housing restaurants, two hotels boasting approximately 500 and 300 rooms respectively, a theater with a seating capacity of 980, and various clubs. Nevertheless, the most contentious elements of the revised blueprint are the addition of a poker room and a designated area for sports betting.

The legality of the expansion is being questioned because of the 2013 local host agreement, which appeared to restrict the casino’s gambling facilities to its current location. The City of Everett’s Planning Board and City Council have currently approved the plans. The final decision on the expansion’s legality will be made by the MGC in the upcoming weeks.